After suffering from a ruptured brain aneurysm...

16 Dec 2013

1 month post

After suffering from a ruptured brain aneurysm (subarachnoid hemorrhage) in September of last year (2012), I was rapidly given large amounts of IV fluids after the endovascular coiling surgery to reduce the risk of cerebral vasospasm. During this time, I experienced 3rd spacing and my body could not release the fluids as quickly as they were administered so I went from 135 lbs to 210 lbs within a few days. After (1) week, my body started to release the fluid. However, I was left with very deep, dark purple stretch marks from my natural waist down past my inner thigh (approximately 4 in. from the top of my knees). While I am grateful to be here today with only stretch marks as the resulting damage, it has been a journey for me to come to terms with the cosmetic damage. After a year of debating, I contacted Plastic Surgeon Dr. David Shuter hoping there may be a way to reduce the appearance of the stretch marks. He recommend starting treatment on my inner thigh (the most damage is here) using the Palomar 1540 with (6) treatments. Dr. Shuter explained the entire procedure to me and gave me a conservative percentage of reduction to be about 50% overall. I agreed to try it and my appointment was scheduled!

Palomar 1540 Treatment #1 -
My 1st treatment was on 10-17-13. The nurse used a topical numbing cream that needed to be applied 1-hr prior to the procedure. After 1-hr., Dr. Shuter proceeded with the treatment. I was given protective eye wear and Dr. Shuter prepared me for the treatment. The first zap felt very warm and slightly pinched. During the procedure, it felt like a thousand tiny rubber bands smacking me over and over again. The warm sensation began to feel a little bit like a sunburn (pain level 1-10 was approx. at 5). After he moved to the 2nd leg (inner thigh), I think I felt a little more relaxed and the pain was a bit less. (pain level 1-10 was approx. at 3). The laser leaves little red dots about the size of a nickle.

At the end of the procedure (approx. 20 min. for both legs), the red dots were slightly swollen and both legs felt like I had a sunburn. The nurse gave me an ice roller and I applied the roller for about 5 min. After that, the sunburn feeling went away, the area was cooled down and the red dots were slightly less swollen (pain level 1-10 was approx. at 2). Approx. 1-hr. post procedure, I took (1) 500 mg Tylenol and the pain level was reduced to zero!

48- Hrs. Post Procedure - The red dots from the laser were much lighter (pink in color) and the swelling was completely gone.

1-Week Post Procedure - The red dots from the laser were completely gone. In the treated area, my skin was a little dry so I started using Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash by Philosophy once per day and Eucerin Original lotion twice per day. The dryness went away after (2) days.

2-Weeks Post Procedure - This is where I saw the magic! Exactly (2) weeks after the procedure there was a very noticeable difference. The stretch mark depth was reduced by approx. 25%, the purple coloring reduced by approx. 25% and the skin felt noticeably tighter.

Palomar 1540 Treatment #2 -
Treatment was on 11-14-13. The procedure was done exactly like treatment #1 except, I took (1) 500 mg Tylenol approx. 30 minutes prior to the treatment. This actually reduced the pain level by about 1/2.

48- Hrs. Post Procedure - The red dots from the laser were much lighter (pink in color) and the swelling was completely gone.

1-Week Post Procedure - The red dots from the laser were gone. However, I did notice a tiny bit of light pink in some areas that had been treated. Since I had experienced dry skin from the 1st treatment, I used the Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash by Philosophy once per day and Eucerin Original lotion twice per day for a couple of days until the dryness was gone. Then I just applied Eucerin lotion once per day after showering.

2-Weeks Post Procedure - At weeks (again) after the procedure there was a very noticeable difference. Just like the 1st treatment, it was at the 2-week mark where I was able to see the most improvement. The stretch mark depth was reduced by approx. 40%, the purple coloring reduced by approx. 40-50% and the skin in the area treated, continues to become firmer and tighter.

I have recently undergone the 3rd Treatment and will continue with my review each month until my final treatment. Please feel free to ask me any questions. I am so excited about the results so far, I would be happy to help others achieve the same success in treatment.

Palomar 1540 Treatment #3 & #4-

31 Mar 2014

4 months post

The 3rd treatment was performed on 12-9-13. At this appointment, Dr. Shuter decided that he was going to do the 3rd treatment and then we would wait for 3 months to continue treatments again. This is to see if waiting 3 months for skin healing would make a difference or a bigger impact on the success of the next treatment.

2-Weeks Post Procedure - 2 weeks after the procedure there was no noticeable improvement . The stretch mark depth was still reduced by approx. 40%, the purple coloring still about the same, reduced by approx. 40-50% and the skin in the area treated, did not become firmer or tighter.
1-Month Post Procedure - At the one (1) month mark, I did notice additional improvement in the depth, coloring and tone. Over the next couple of months, there was additional improvement with an overall improvement of about 60% reduction in color and depth. The skin is also firmer.

Today I underwent the Palomar 1540 Treatment #4. It has been approximately 3 1/2 months since my last treatment. In comparing photos at Dr. Shuter's office, there is at least a 60% reduction since the start of the 1st treatment. Dr. Shuter is going to continue the laser therapy once per month for the next 3 months and then I will take a break from treatments for 3 months. I will continue to post the success of the treatments!

Dr. Shuter is very compassionate and caring. He takes his time with you, answers all of your questions and never makes you feel rushed. He is very personable and makes you feel comfortable as soon as you meet him. He is extremely knowledgeable and gives very realistic expectations for final results and what to expect. In addition to Dr. Shuter, his staff is amazing and everyone is very kind and helpful.